According to food experts, you can safely eat leftover ham for up to five days after it was initially served, provided it was properly stored in your refrigerator. You may freeze leftover ham for up to six months, but for best quality, experts recommend that you consume it within two months.
So, if you still have leftover ham from Easter, then time is ticking. That said, you might consider breathing new life into your leftover ham by making the following dishes:
PASTA, PEAS AND HAM
Ingredients:
2 (9-ounce) packages fresh tortellini, cooked
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves minced garlic
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups leftover ham, diced
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add mushrooms.
Saute for a few minutes.
Add garlic and season mushrooms with a little salt and pepper.
Add heavy cream and heat for a few minutes or until hot.
Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese. Add ham, peas, and tortellini.
Add shredded Parmesan cheese on top of pasta before serving.
BAKED HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons softened butter
1 teaspoon garlic salt
2 pounds leftover ham, thinly sliced
6 slices Swiss cheese
Your favorite bun or roll
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix first four ingredients together until smooth.
Spread butter mixture on both sides of buns.
Top buns with ham and cheese.
Wrap each sandwich in foil.
Bake sandwiches on cookie sheet for 15 to 20 minutes.
SPRING FRITTATA
Ingredients:
6 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup leftover ham, cubed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a medium-sized non-stick pan.
Add the asparagus and ham and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until asparagus is bright green.
Preheat broiler.
Pour egg mixture into hot pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until almost set.
Sprinkle with cheese, and place pan (uncovered) under the broiler.
Broil for a few minutes until top is golden brown.
Remove from oven and cut into wedges.
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